Miss Universe 2022's Top 16 and the Stories Behind Their Capes
Their flattering swimsuits may have caught your attention first, but there are more interesting stories behind the capes they were styled with
This year, a new and exciting twist to the swimsuit round of the Miss Universe 2022 competition was added. Unbeknownst to many, prior to the actual pageant in New Orleans, United States, the national candidates were given an identical cape that each of them should personalize. The LIVA Fluid Fashion carry any print, pattern, or art that represents a cause that the delegate is advocating for.
Browse through the gallery below and learn more about each of the Top 16's capes:
Photo Gallery
Photo Gallery
Alessia Rovegno, Peru
Backstage commentator Zuri Hall said of this cape: "Because of her Italian heritage, Miss Peru has been criticized by those who feel she doesn't embody traditional Peruvian beauty. So, her cape depicts women of different skin and hair color, all with crowns celebrating diversity."
Photo Credit: Benjamin Askinas via Miss Universe
Alicia Faubel, Spain
Miss Spain's cape is an homage to Angela Ponce, who represented the country in Miss Universe back in 2018. Angela made history as the firs transgender delegate to ever walk the Miss Universe stage. The cape also celebrates Spain as a nation of "trailblazing people."
Photo Credit: Benjamin Askinas via Miss Universe
Amanda Dudamel, Venezuela
Miss Venezuela worked with children from the largest slum in her country to create the collage-like artwork on her cape. Its message? "Kids are not toys. Stop child abuse."
Photo Credit: Benjamin Askinas via Miss Universe
Amelia Tu, Canada
Training the spotlight on eco-friendly fashion, Canada's cape is "emblazoned with the word sustainability." The central element of the cape features red from the Canadian flag and green which represents the country's natural resources.
Photo Credit: Benjamin Askinas via Miss Universe
Andreina Martinez Founier, Dominican Republic
A well-known Dominican artist designed her cape, which features Mother Earth with outstretched arms, encouraging everyone to be more conscious of the environment and natural resources.
Photo Credit: Benjamin Askinas via Miss Universe
Ashley Cariño, Puerto Rico
Inspired by a tarot card oil painting called "Be and let be," her cape bears the message of "diversity, inclusion, and equality."
Photo Credit: Benjamin Askinas via Miss Universe
Divita Rai, India
Titled "From the Heart," her cape was designed by a Punjabi artist who's a member of the LGBTQ community. As mentioned by backstage commentator Catriona Gray, "it represents India's rich and vibrant culture, along with emblems indicative of her home in Southern India."
Photo Credit: Benjamin Askinas via Miss Universe
Gabriëla Dos Santos, Curacao
Featuring images of female referees from the 2022 World Cup, her cape comes with this message: "women deserve equal opportunities and representation in all fields, including sports, and that women can be heroes of their own stories."
Photo Credit: Benjamin Askinas via Miss Universe
Mideline Phelizor, Haiti
Her cape represents peace and unity. Adorned with eye symbols, according to Mideline's Instagram account, it "represents the vision, the ability to see further and through the hidden. It is golden, divine light if it is one, that protects, purifies and represents peace."
Photo Credit: Benjamin Askinas via Miss Universe
María Fernanda Aristizabal, Colombia
Her cape features a single drop of water and the hashtag #SOSWATER, in hopes of raising awareness on the fact that two million people die each year due to water scarcity.
Photo Credit: Benjamin Askinas via Miss Universe
Monique Riley, Australia
Created by an indigenous artist, her cape depicts the Australian sky. Among the symbols in the cape is a kangaroo, Australia's national animal and a "symbol of strength and empowerment."
Photo Credit: Benjamin Askinas via Miss Universe
Ndavi Nokeri, South Africa
As shared by backstage commentator Catriona Gray during the swimsuit segment, "her cape is adorned with the words of those women directly challenging long outdated beauty standards" in South Africa.
Photo Credit: Benjamin Askinas via Miss Universe
Payengxa Lor, Laos
Her cape is representative of three Laos ethnic groups and reflects the "story of the country and honors the unity of its people."
Photo Credit: Benjamin Askinas via Miss Universe
R’Bonney Gabriel, USA
With her background as a fashion designer who's knowledgable in textiles, Miss USA dyed this cape herself. The design was inspired by a rising Phoenix and her father's advice to act up on her dreams and desires today. As he said, "If not now, when?"
Photo Credit: Benjamin Askinas via Miss Universe
Telma Madeira, Portugal
Portugal's cape was painted by a group of artists with mental and physical disabilities. According to backstage commentator Zuri Hall, Miss Portugal "has a deep appreciation for the authentic, creative artwork on it because it came straight from the artists' hearts."
Photo Credit: Benjamin Askinas via Miss Universe
Tya Jané Ramey, Trinidad and Tobago
Her cape highlights the negative effects of climate change, specifically the bleaching of Tobago's coral reefs. Miss Trinidad and Tobago "hopes greater awareness might inspire others to protect the oceans which she calls an underwater heaven."
Photo Credit: Benjamin Askinas via Miss Universe
The eco-friendly piece of fabric is made of natural fibers known as LIVA. Each LIVA served as a white canvas upon which the beauty contestants may show their creativity—be it of personal touch or of collaborative work with any local artist. Miss Universe 2022 titleholder, USA’s R’Bonney Gabriel, donned a cape that she designed by using plastic bottles and sustainable dyes. It bears the message, “If not now, then when?”
Lead photos courtesy of Benjamin Askinas via Miss Universe
